I meant to take a little vacation from blog land. I said to myself, "Self, you need a brain vacation. Give yourself a month off and then come back strong!" But apparently that vacation is going to turn permanent.
I wish this was for me. I wish I could keep up with blogging. When I do it, I love it. But right now...it is not for me, so I'm not going to continue doing it.
I'll still be around in stalker comment form, and I'll see some of you on the FaceSpace. Everyone else - thanks for everything and keep up the good work!
Peace out,
J
April 11, 2011
March 8, 2011
Vacay
All,
I'm outta here for a bit! Off for some vacay! I could really use a beach, relaxation vacay, but we tend to take spring break trips not to someplace warm and sunny but to snowy mountains. So I'm off to tire myself out on the slopes and hopefully find zen in carved turns, tried muscles, hot tubs, and long naps in the car ride home.
Peace out,
Jen
I'm outta here for a bit! Off for some vacay! I could really use a beach, relaxation vacay, but we tend to take spring break trips not to someplace warm and sunny but to snowy mountains. So I'm off to tire myself out on the slopes and hopefully find zen in carved turns, tried muscles, hot tubs, and long naps in the car ride home.
Peace out,
March 7, 2011
Blog Land Love
Every once in a while, we get to be a part of something special. Sometimes, like in blog land, it is a sustained feeling in a community of people that truly amazes me. We found a place, on the internet, where people are mainly positive and supportive, where women are taking ownership of their lives and feelings, and where *knock on wood* the trolls have yet to come. Pretty neato!
Then blog land goes above and beyond, and I am again astounded. Here is the story:
We all watched the photography contest unfold over at The Thirty Something Bride, with all the crazy happenings, and then the sad, sad ending where our friends Sarah and Tony did not win and instead some....ok, nothing against the winners. Just me being biased!
But I was extremely biased. So much so that it surprised me. Why was I so sad about the outcome of a contest I was not even entered in with people who I have never even met? Because they deserved it. They really did. Read through their blog just a little bit and you'll see that they have some special going on; their story, their family, and Sarah's thoughtful writing all bring together this clear picture of people who truly deserved some wedding magic.
The contest may not have turned out how we hoped, but damned if we couldn't do something about it. I wrote a few e-mails, poked around, and sure enough a lot of people were also wanting to help. Not only that, but it turns out that Sarah and Tony also hired a wedding elf in Larissa of Larissa Cleveland Photography. After lots of e-mails flying around, a plan was hatched. Blog land was going to raise $500 for an additional hour to add to Sarah and Tony's photography package, and with that, Larissa would donate an additional hour of her time. Awesome!
I went to work, gathered up as many names/e-mails as I could, sent out some e-mails and startedharassing kindly asking for money. It really didn't take much asking or harassing on my part at all. Blog land come through with style, and in little over a week we raised the $500 necessary! Go team!
So congratulations to Sarah and Tony - you have two additional hours on your photography package with Larissa! and congratulations blog land - you all just earned yourself some good karma!
Twenty seven people donated to this effort - some giving ten dollars, some giving fifty - and each little bit counted to getting us to our goal. Below is a list of all the lovely people (and their blog links) who contributed. (Well, almost all. One lovely lady declined to be named, stating that she would like the "nice fuzzy feeling without the recognition." I know who you are! and I recognize you!) I want to thank each and every one for contributing. I sent out some e-mails, but the generosity of the group is what got us to our goal! Many thanks go to (in random order):
To Sarah, Tony, Bean and Bug,
Keep with it because you must be doing something right. After following your story, a group of strangers came out of the woodwork to give you some wedding magic. We see that you have something special going on and want that to be celebrated as well as documented! We hope this gift of two additional hours goes toward keeping the memories of your wedding alive and well for many years.
Best Wishes,
Blog Land
Then blog land goes above and beyond, and I am again astounded. Here is the story:
We all watched the photography contest unfold over at The Thirty Something Bride, with all the crazy happenings, and then the sad, sad ending where our friends Sarah and Tony did not win and instead some....ok, nothing against the winners. Just me being biased!
But I was extremely biased. So much so that it surprised me. Why was I so sad about the outcome of a contest I was not even entered in with people who I have never even met? Because they deserved it. They really did. Read through their blog just a little bit and you'll see that they have some special going on; their story, their family, and Sarah's thoughtful writing all bring together this clear picture of people who truly deserved some wedding magic.
The contest may not have turned out how we hoped, but damned if we couldn't do something about it. I wrote a few e-mails, poked around, and sure enough a lot of people were also wanting to help. Not only that, but it turns out that Sarah and Tony also hired a wedding elf in Larissa of Larissa Cleveland Photography. After lots of e-mails flying around, a plan was hatched. Blog land was going to raise $500 for an additional hour to add to Sarah and Tony's photography package, and with that, Larissa would donate an additional hour of her time. Awesome!
I went to work, gathered up as many names/e-mails as I could, sent out some e-mails and started
So congratulations to Sarah and Tony - you have two additional hours on your photography package with Larissa! and congratulations blog land - you all just earned yourself some good karma!
Twenty seven people donated to this effort - some giving ten dollars, some giving fifty - and each little bit counted to getting us to our goal. Below is a list of all the lovely people (and their blog links) who contributed. (Well, almost all. One lovely lady declined to be named, stating that she would like the "nice fuzzy feeling without the recognition." I know who you are! and I recognize you!) I want to thank each and every one for contributing. I sent out some e-mails, but the generosity of the group is what got us to our goal! Many thanks go to (in random order):
- Robin and Collin of Hitchdied
- Lisa of Craftmylife
- Lyn of Another Damn Life
- Jo of Jo, Rooting
- Becca of A Los Angeles Love
- Katherine of A Jersey Hootenany Wedding
- Ms Bunny of Bunnies 'n' Beagles
- Angie of One Cat Per Person
- Kerry of Fancy Notion
- Tabitha of Ms Awesome
- Suzanne of Eyes Open, Feet First
- Bret of All Things Zilla
- Lizzie of Love Your Way
- Nikki of Ridiculously Ever After
- Mary of Marriageable
- Emma of Another Ring Coming
- Giovanna of Swoon
- Hollie of Thrifty in White
- Eden of A Timeless Affair
- Heather of Existing Between Reality and Dreams
- Nina of So Glad That You Exist
- Tamera of Verhext
- Davanie of A Paler Shade of White
- Louise of TruLu Couture
To Sarah, Tony, Bean and Bug,
Keep with it because you must be doing something right. After following your story, a group of strangers came out of the woodwork to give you some wedding magic. We see that you have something special going on and want that to be celebrated as well as documented! We hope this gift of two additional hours goes toward keeping the memories of your wedding alive and well for many years.
Best Wishes,
Blog Land
February 25, 2011
This is not a mix - so far behind
Sometimes (ok, lots of the time) I feel like I am miles and miles behind. Like the rest of the world is out there dominating and I'm a total slacker and failing at everything imaginable. (downer much?) I see people excelling and want to do the same, but there is no one thing that I excel at or am 'talented' at. Nothing in particular pulls me in any one direction. Instead, I have an interest in lots of things and am mediocre at most of them.
Most of this is my fault. I've never pushed myself to excel and then, when I try something and it doesn't go magnificently, I'm very harsh on myself. Don't we all wish to have that secret talent just waiting to explode out in all its glory? To be able to stand out in something?
This spans both personally and professionally. I feel like I'm behind where I should be. Of course, that begs the question where should I be? And I don't know. I've been trying to set goals for myself, find a direction I want to go, but I'm not sure where it is that I'd like to be.
This all leads me to feel like I'm having a quarter life crisis.
Identity, career, friends, being an adult - its all bearing down on me! And I'm totally lost as to what I should be doing. I played the game and did ok, but now I feel like the game has let me down or has suddenly changed the rules without warning.
I think this is a common feeling among people my age. We were told about all these possibilities in life, how we could be anything we wanted to be. We played the game put in front of us - did that whole college thing, graduated and.... and then what?; Some of us got jobs. Some of these jobs were in our hopeful field while some were not. And now we are all feeling a bit of 'now what' syndrome. Is this what adulthood is? I'm pretty sure I was expecting something else and something more.
NPR has had a series (but I guess that's the only one I could find...) discussing these topics - all of which help me feel that I am not alone. Also, I've seen lots of talk around blogland that confirms we are not alone. No matter how down I get, that is a very key and very helpful thing to remember - it is normal.
Sorry to be a downer today with no music mix and instead just sharing my midlife crisis. But it is what it is and that's what you are getting, capish? Capish.
Oh, and happy friday!
Slainte,
Jen
Most of this is my fault. I've never pushed myself to excel and then, when I try something and it doesn't go magnificently, I'm very harsh on myself. Don't we all wish to have that secret talent just waiting to explode out in all its glory? To be able to stand out in something?
This spans both personally and professionally. I feel like I'm behind where I should be. Of course, that begs the question where should I be? And I don't know. I've been trying to set goals for myself, find a direction I want to go, but I'm not sure where it is that I'd like to be.
This all leads me to feel like I'm having a quarter life crisis.
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| Me and you both, buddy! |
Identity, career, friends, being an adult - its all bearing down on me! And I'm totally lost as to what I should be doing. I played the game and did ok, but now I feel like the game has let me down or has suddenly changed the rules without warning.
I think this is a common feeling among people my age. We were told about all these possibilities in life, how we could be anything we wanted to be. We played the game put in front of us - did that whole college thing, graduated and.... and then what?; Some of us got jobs. Some of these jobs were in our hopeful field while some were not. And now we are all feeling a bit of 'now what' syndrome. Is this what adulthood is? I'm pretty sure I was expecting something else and something more.
NPR has had a series (but I guess that's the only one I could find...) discussing these topics - all of which help me feel that I am not alone. Also, I've seen lots of talk around blogland that confirms we are not alone. No matter how down I get, that is a very key and very helpful thing to remember - it is normal.
Sorry to be a downer today with no music mix and instead just sharing my midlife crisis. But it is what it is and that's what you are getting, capish? Capish.
Oh, and happy friday!
Slainte,
Jen
February 16, 2011
Staying Put
Our dream has always been to move out west. Out west to mountains where we can ski one run continuously for more than 30 seconds! (Fun fact for the day: Lindsay Vohn grew up in Minnesota and spent her early years skiing here. Buck Hill. True, that is the wimpiest of wimpy ski hills we have... but it doesn't get that much better!)
Brett wanted to move right after graduating college, but whoops! He met some total hottie freshman who was so awesome and funny and smart and wonderful (Hi!) that he couldn't leave! So he stayed here for me, the dream crusher. Then, four years later, I was graduating college and we again want to move out west. I happened to land a bomb job that fit exactly with my major/minor combo it was ridiculous! But crap, its here in Minnesota. Just keep crushing that dream!
So we held on to the idea. Brett was between jobs for a while, then we decided to get married and knew we should be here for the wedding, then Brett got a job, and so on and so on. Was our dream ever going to happen? Maybe its not our dream after all? Maybe we just have to wait for better timing? Maybe, maybe, maybe!
For the last two years I've felt in limbo. Wanting to move, bad timing, whatever - we weren't committed to being here, but we hadn't fully committed to moving west either. We were always humming and hawing back and forth about what we should do, unsure of what would be the best decision. Limbo.
Well, we've decided to stay. Things are really great for us right here at this moment and there is so much that we can be doing and learning in our current jobs. Plus, we have those current jobs! For Brett, after just coming off partial unemployment, he is not anxious to go back to that in a new state.
So here we stay.
And I'm trying really hard to not look at that as a failure. To not feel disappointed. Instead, I want to focus on the opportunities we can make for ourselves here and how staying put is allowing us some more vacation opportunities this spring and summer. *positive thoughts*
One friend of mine, who moved from Minnesota to Denver to Seattle told me, "I love coming home to see you guys, but if I stay for too long I start to miss it, so I try to keep my visits quick. If I moved home now, I'd feel like a failure."
Um.. 1) I'm still here and I didn't think I was a failure, so thanks? 2) Whats with that? Why is the distance you move from home seen as a measure of success? Why can't we be successful and be living in our own home town? Is this a generational thing?
Either way, I'm trying to remain positive. Sure, its easiest to move when you are young and fresh out of school, but that doesn't mean we can't move later, right? We can do what works best for us now, and hope that sometime in the future moving will also work for us.
Right? I'm hoping you all have positive words here to help feed my positive thoughts!
Peace all,
Jen
Brett wanted to move right after graduating college, but whoops! He met some total hottie freshman who was so awesome and funny and smart and wonderful (Hi!) that he couldn't leave! So he stayed here for me, the dream crusher. Then, four years later, I was graduating college and we again want to move out west. I happened to land a bomb job that fit exactly with my major/minor combo it was ridiculous! But crap, its here in Minnesota. Just keep crushing that dream!
So we held on to the idea. Brett was between jobs for a while, then we decided to get married and knew we should be here for the wedding, then Brett got a job, and so on and so on. Was our dream ever going to happen? Maybe its not our dream after all? Maybe we just have to wait for better timing? Maybe, maybe, maybe!
For the last two years I've felt in limbo. Wanting to move, bad timing, whatever - we weren't committed to being here, but we hadn't fully committed to moving west either. We were always humming and hawing back and forth about what we should do, unsure of what would be the best decision. Limbo.
Well, we've decided to stay. Things are really great for us right here at this moment and there is so much that we can be doing and learning in our current jobs. Plus, we have those current jobs! For Brett, after just coming off partial unemployment, he is not anxious to go back to that in a new state.
So here we stay.
And I'm trying really hard to not look at that as a failure. To not feel disappointed. Instead, I want to focus on the opportunities we can make for ourselves here and how staying put is allowing us some more vacation opportunities this spring and summer. *positive thoughts*
One friend of mine, who moved from Minnesota to Denver to Seattle told me, "I love coming home to see you guys, but if I stay for too long I start to miss it, so I try to keep my visits quick. If I moved home now, I'd feel like a failure."
Um.. 1) I'm still here and I didn't think I was a failure, so thanks? 2) Whats with that? Why is the distance you move from home seen as a measure of success? Why can't we be successful and be living in our own home town? Is this a generational thing?
Either way, I'm trying to remain positive. Sure, its easiest to move when you are young and fresh out of school, but that doesn't mean we can't move later, right? We can do what works best for us now, and hope that sometime in the future moving will also work for us.
Right? I'm hoping you all have positive words here to help feed my positive thoughts!
Peace all,
Jen
February 10, 2011
Kitties!!!
Blog land and cats seem to go hand in hand. Also, being awesome and beautiful, but that's besides the point. Cats. We have them. Want to meet them?
The first kitty we got is named Neko. Affectionately nicknamed Meow Meow, Fatso, Chub Chub, Chubba Wubba, Big One, or Kitty. She likes to eat (lots) and cuddle. Her favorite toys include a catnip mouse and string to pounce. Neko is a very vocal kitty who will spend hours watching out the window and chattering at birds. Neko likes boxes but sometimes can't quite fit into them...
Um, and now I feel bad because that is the only picture I have access to of Neko at the moment! Sorry, kitty! She doesn't always look like a complete blob...
North is the second kitty we got when we decided that Neko would benefit from having a friend around. They do not get along. North's nicknames include Northington, Meow Meow, Little One, Child, and F*ing Cute Kitty! North's interests include being cute, prancing, finding trouble, and peeing on our bed when angry. His favorite toys include twisty ties and Neko. He would love to sleep on my face if I would let him.
I love them, my Big and Little Ones. But through the experience of having cats have found out that I am still a dog person.
The first kitty we got is named Neko. Affectionately nicknamed Meow Meow, Fatso, Chub Chub, Chubba Wubba, Big One, or Kitty. She likes to eat (lots) and cuddle. Her favorite toys include a catnip mouse and string to pounce. Neko is a very vocal kitty who will spend hours watching out the window and chattering at birds. Neko likes boxes but sometimes can't quite fit into them...
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| :( All boxes are many too small boxes for Neko |
North is the second kitty we got when we decided that Neko would benefit from having a friend around. They do not get along. North's nicknames include Northington, Meow Meow, Little One, Child, and F*ing Cute Kitty! North's interests include being cute, prancing, finding trouble, and peeing on our bed when angry. His favorite toys include twisty ties and Neko. He would love to sleep on my face if I would let him.
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| North as a baby. Gah! That face just kills me! |
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| North all growed up and looking quite handsome |
I love them, my Big and Little Ones. But through the experience of having cats have found out that I am still a dog person.
February 4, 2011
Mixtape Masters: Too Hot
I'm lacking a mix today, but I do have this little gem for you. Behold! Canadian-pop Alanis! (No worries. You can thank me later.)
Check out the other Mixtape Masters on these blogs!
One Cat Per Person | Hi-Fi Weddings | Tylre. | Ten Thou Bride | Fashion Under 100 | Jo, Rooting | Craft My Life | another damn life | Savoir Weddings | Fancy Notion | Dead Flowers | Casa De Kaloi | Bunnies’n’Beagles | My San Francisco Budget Wedding | Existing Between Reality and Dreams | HitchDied | DJ Prof
February 1, 2011
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda
This Thursday, I have a meeting with the graduate studies coordinator of a program I am considering. Yup! So that's the first news; I'm considering grad school.
Grad school was never on my radar before, but now, when I work at a university and get tuition benefits from said university, grad school is on my radar. I mean, come on, how could I pass up those benefits, right? So many people have told me that this is the 'right thing to do'. I told my mom I had this meeting and she ecstatic! Because 1) shes proud of me for being awesome (aw, thanks, mom!) and 2) that means I wouldn't be moving away in the next 2 years.
See, if I don't do grad school, we want to move. To mountains. Where we can ski in powder and have all sorts of adventures that just don't happen in flat, flat Minnesota. Also, because new places are fun and I want to go to there.
Or at least we've talked lots about moving. We are very indecisive and have no idea what to do with our lives. Move? Stay here and continue with our awesome jobs? Go to grad school? Buy a house?
One person oh so helpfully told me to make a pro/con list to decide what to do. Because obviously one side will clearly out weight the other? I don't think so. I made the pro con list and it looked something like this.
Moving West: Pro list
- mountains! (aka skiing opportunities so I can finally learn to ski powder/bumps/anything other than ice)
- won't be wishing, ten years down the road, that we had
- life experiences with new places and new people
Staying: Pro List
- we have jobs and health insurance
- could go to grad school
- security
- "there's always vacation"
In other words... moving west is what we WANT to do while staying and being adults is what we SHOULD do. Bah humbug!
Here is something that surprised me today, though. I was out to breakfast with some co-workers I had at a past University job. They are older, have been very successful in their careers, and are generally awesome. I completely respect their opinions and was hoping to get some advice with this dilemma from them. I told them I had this meeting with the grad school but was unsure what we wanted to do. They both, without missing a beat, said go for the wants and the fun. They sited my young age and told me how they had both done lots of fun things in their twenties but both wished they had really taken that leap and went for what they wanted.
Not what I was expecting, but hearing them say it made me feel excited. It made that little part of me say, "Yes! Exactly! Listen to them!" And now I think we should. I want to take that leap and not do the grown up thing and do the fun thing. The thing that may or may not be the best career choice but will probably be the best life choice.
So. Anyone got some cool communications and natural resource positions they want to give us out on the west coast?
Grad school was never on my radar before, but now, when I work at a university and get tuition benefits from said university, grad school is on my radar. I mean, come on, how could I pass up those benefits, right? So many people have told me that this is the 'right thing to do'. I told my mom I had this meeting and she ecstatic! Because 1) shes proud of me for being awesome (aw, thanks, mom!) and 2) that means I wouldn't be moving away in the next 2 years.
See, if I don't do grad school, we want to move. To mountains. Where we can ski in powder and have all sorts of adventures that just don't happen in flat, flat Minnesota. Also, because new places are fun and I want to go to there.
Or at least we've talked lots about moving. We are very indecisive and have no idea what to do with our lives. Move? Stay here and continue with our awesome jobs? Go to grad school? Buy a house?
One person oh so helpfully told me to make a pro/con list to decide what to do. Because obviously one side will clearly out weight the other? I don't think so. I made the pro con list and it looked something like this.
Moving West: Pro list
- mountains! (aka skiing opportunities so I can finally learn to ski powder/bumps/anything other than ice)
- won't be wishing, ten years down the road, that we had
- life experiences with new places and new people
Staying: Pro List
- we have jobs and health insurance
- could go to grad school
- security
- "there's always vacation"
In other words... moving west is what we WANT to do while staying and being adults is what we SHOULD do. Bah humbug!
Here is something that surprised me today, though. I was out to breakfast with some co-workers I had at a past University job. They are older, have been very successful in their careers, and are generally awesome. I completely respect their opinions and was hoping to get some advice with this dilemma from them. I told them I had this meeting with the grad school but was unsure what we wanted to do. They both, without missing a beat, said go for the wants and the fun. They sited my young age and told me how they had both done lots of fun things in their twenties but both wished they had really taken that leap and went for what they wanted.
Not what I was expecting, but hearing them say it made me feel excited. It made that little part of me say, "Yes! Exactly! Listen to them!" And now I think we should. I want to take that leap and not do the grown up thing and do the fun thing. The thing that may or may not be the best career choice but will probably be the best life choice.
So. Anyone got some cool communications and natural resource positions they want to give us out on the west coast?
January 28, 2011
Mixtape Masters: Good Cause Edition
Today I don't have a mix. It's just one song. And one cause.
First, lets start with the song. It's just one of those songs that gets in my head and won't let go. I have to play it over and over. Also, bonus! Lazerbeak is part of Doomtree, a Minneapolis hip-hop collective. Yay for more local, and I wasn't even looking for local music when I found this song.
Speaking of... I found this song via A Paler Shade of White when she posted THIS video.
Paper Antler, a (way cute) wedding photog couple, is doing Fifty Nifty. 50 weeks to photograph 50 weddings in 50 states. They will donate $1,000 from each wedding to total $50,000. This cash will go to She Dances, an anti human trafficking organization.
What a great cause and a great couple! I really just want to give them huge hugs and empty out my bank account for them. Someday I will be completely loaded and donate to everyone I can.... in the meantime, I'll give a little bit and hope that it does indeed go a long way.
If any of you know anyone getting married in any state in the US, pass this on! Their portfolio looks pretty amazing - so sweet pictures and helping out a good cause! I think they only have a few weddings booked...so help them out!
Peace, darlings
J
First, lets start with the song. It's just one of those songs that gets in my head and won't let go. I have to play it over and over. Also, bonus! Lazerbeak is part of Doomtree, a Minneapolis hip-hop collective. Yay for more local, and I wasn't even looking for local music when I found this song.
Speaking of... I found this song via A Paler Shade of White when she posted THIS video.
Paper Antler, a (way cute) wedding photog couple, is doing Fifty Nifty. 50 weeks to photograph 50 weddings in 50 states. They will donate $1,000 from each wedding to total $50,000. This cash will go to She Dances, an anti human trafficking organization.
What a great cause and a great couple! I really just want to give them huge hugs and empty out my bank account for them. Someday I will be completely loaded and donate to everyone I can.... in the meantime, I'll give a little bit and hope that it does indeed go a long way.
If any of you know anyone getting married in any state in the US, pass this on! Their portfolio looks pretty amazing - so sweet pictures and helping out a good cause! I think they only have a few weddings booked...so help them out!
Peace, darlings
J
Check out the other Mixtape Masters on these blogs!
One Cat Per Person | Hi-Fi Weddings | Tylre. | Ten Thou Bride | Fashion Under 100 | Jo, Rooting | Craft My Life | another damn life | Savoir Weddings | Fancy Notion | Dead Flowers | Casa De Kaloi | Bunnies’n’Beagles | My San Francisco Budget Wedding | Existing Between Reality and Dreams | HitchDied | DJ Prof
January 27, 2011
Baby, you creepin' me out!
I've never been the one to oh and ahh and go crazy over babies or little children. In fact, they kinda creep me out! I have no idea what to do at them. So generally I just stare at them, and they stare back at me and we have a creepy staring party.
To illustrate what this would look like from the baby's perspective, here is a creepy picture of me:
Don't go thinking I'm a baby hater, though! It's just that I've never had any experience with a baby or with many small children. They are foreign territory to me. Crazy unknown little versions of people who speak in a totally different language, make weird faces, and require things that I have no idea how to provide. Because of this, babies = intimidating.
I mean, imagine you were all of a sudden face to face with something totally unknown to you. Perhaps, say, a weird little baby thing like this:
Would you just run in there to hug and coddle that crazy eyed thing? Would you instantly want one for yourself? Because I'm sure that thing wants to eat your face right now, so you should at least be a little careful on your approach.
Anyway, enough rambling. Lesson here is that babies kinda scare me. I have no idea what to do with them and am not interested in making one any time soon. BUT! Wanna hear a fun story?
Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I held a baby! A real human one! Not a sloth one! (that is what the face eater above is in case you were wondering.) Sure, one time when I was little they propped me up on a couch with pillows and then sat a baby on me, but this time was all arms and all me!
It was scary at first. I didn't expect her to be this moving, wriggling little thing, but after she settled in she mostly just stared at me and made weird baby faces (which I then made back at her). We had a nice time together, no one got dropped, and in the end...I maybe kind of liked it. I mean, normally babies are cute and all, but this little one has something special going on. I think her parents went to the best baby store and got the cutest model that genes can buy. Way too cute.
I told Brett about my baby expedition and he was very proud of me. But my family is, under any circumstance, to hear of this! It would only fuel their baby lust for my poor uterus! Just because I liked one, doesn't mean I want one.
So for now, I'm going to keep my enjoyment of that little baby to myself....and the interwebs... whoops...
To illustrate what this would look like from the baby's perspective, here is a creepy picture of me:
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| This was after a few hours sleep. Give me a break. |
Don't go thinking I'm a baby hater, though! It's just that I've never had any experience with a baby or with many small children. They are foreign territory to me. Crazy unknown little versions of people who speak in a totally different language, make weird faces, and require things that I have no idea how to provide. Because of this, babies = intimidating.
I mean, imagine you were all of a sudden face to face with something totally unknown to you. Perhaps, say, a weird little baby thing like this:
Would you just run in there to hug and coddle that crazy eyed thing? Would you instantly want one for yourself? Because I'm sure that thing wants to eat your face right now, so you should at least be a little careful on your approach.
Anyway, enough rambling. Lesson here is that babies kinda scare me. I have no idea what to do with them and am not interested in making one any time soon. BUT! Wanna hear a fun story?
Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I held a baby! A real human one! Not a sloth one! (that is what the face eater above is in case you were wondering.) Sure, one time when I was little they propped me up on a couch with pillows and then sat a baby on me, but this time was all arms and all me!
It was scary at first. I didn't expect her to be this moving, wriggling little thing, but after she settled in she mostly just stared at me and made weird baby faces (which I then made back at her). We had a nice time together, no one got dropped, and in the end...I maybe kind of liked it. I mean, normally babies are cute and all, but this little one has something special going on. I think her parents went to the best baby store and got the cutest model that genes can buy. Way too cute.
I told Brett about my baby expedition and he was very proud of me. But my family is, under any circumstance, to hear of this! It would only fuel their baby lust for my poor uterus! Just because I liked one, doesn't mean I want one.
So for now, I'm going to keep my enjoyment of that little baby to myself....and the interwebs... whoops...
January 26, 2011
They Who Shall Not Be Named
Gah!
Me so angry!
Me might hulk out and thunder through work hallways, making much smash!*
Hulk smash all the way to Washington, leaving debris of fear and hate behind!
*deep breath*
I would like to be an informed citizen who can take part in politics, have informed opinions, and vote based on those opinions, but I really can't take politics anymore. It makes me want to hulk. And cry. And just hide myself in a hole.
Part of it is because of a few key characters who keep popping up and who should really just go away. (One of them, I'm sad to say, is a representative from Minnesota. I'm sorry, nation.) These people are the Hiltons of politics. Not famous for doing anything worthwhile but famous for being sensational and generally crazy. The media can't get enough of them and apparently neither can we.
To that end, I've decided to be done with them. I will not give them any energy. I will not talk about them. I will actively NOT talk about them. They deserve nothing from me. I'm going to go and brush my shoulder off. Get that dirt of my shoulders!
This morning on the bus, a colleague wanted to talk about our sad, sad representative who gave the Tea Party response to the State of the Union last night. I told him, "I don't want to talk about her. She is not worth my time. How is work going for you?" NEXT!
It made me feel relieved. Way more relieved than if we had spent the next 10 minutes bitching about how we can't believe she was reelected, thinking of running for president, is such an idiot, etc. I just brushed her off, and will continue to do so with all the others Who Shall Not Be Named. Just brush them off and hope the country does the same.
So please. Don't give them your energy anymore. Maybe if we all ignore them enough, they will stop throwing their temper tantrums and go take their naps.
Phew! I feel better and less hulkish already!
Peace, love and understanding,
Jen
* totally unrelated to anything...check out FeministHulk. AMAZING.
** also totally unrelated. It was way too hard to find a normal, not sexy version of she hulk. I find that to be awkward.
*** Also, I'm going to keep on supporting public radio for an informed citizenry. Even if all federal funding is cut, I am hopeful that we will all come through and support them.
Me so angry!
Me might hulk out and thunder through work hallways, making much smash!*
Hulk smash all the way to Washington, leaving debris of fear and hate behind!
 |
| HULK SMASH! via ** |
I would like to be an informed citizen who can take part in politics, have informed opinions, and vote based on those opinions, but I really can't take politics anymore. It makes me want to hulk. And cry. And just hide myself in a hole.
Part of it is because of a few key characters who keep popping up and who should really just go away. (One of them, I'm sad to say, is a representative from Minnesota. I'm sorry, nation.) These people are the Hiltons of politics. Not famous for doing anything worthwhile but famous for being sensational and generally crazy. The media can't get enough of them and apparently neither can we.
To that end, I've decided to be done with them. I will not give them any energy. I will not talk about them. I will actively NOT talk about them. They deserve nothing from me. I'm going to go and brush my shoulder off. Get that dirt of my shoulders!
This morning on the bus, a colleague wanted to talk about our sad, sad representative who gave the Tea Party response to the State of the Union last night. I told him, "I don't want to talk about her. She is not worth my time. How is work going for you?" NEXT!
It made me feel relieved. Way more relieved than if we had spent the next 10 minutes bitching about how we can't believe she was reelected, thinking of running for president, is such an idiot, etc. I just brushed her off, and will continue to do so with all the others Who Shall Not Be Named. Just brush them off and hope the country does the same.
So please. Don't give them your energy anymore. Maybe if we all ignore them enough, they will stop throwing their temper tantrums and go take their naps.
Phew! I feel better and less hulkish already!
Peace, love and understanding,
Jen
* totally unrelated to anything...check out FeministHulk. AMAZING.
** also totally unrelated. It was way too hard to find a normal, not sexy version of she hulk. I find that to be awkward.
*** Also, I'm going to keep on supporting public radio for an informed citizenry. Even if all federal funding is cut, I am hopeful that we will all come through and support them.
January 21, 2011
Mixtape Masters: Best of the Midwest: Mixed Up
Happy Friday, world!
For my mix today, I have one more Best of the Midwest for you! Yay! And again, all these artists are from Minnesota (and all but one are from Minneapolis), represent! We may be a frozen tundra at the moment, but apparently that does not muffle the musical muses of these melody makers!
The mix today doesn't have too much rhyme or reason. It's just a hodgepodge of what was left on my list of current, sweet, local artists. I know there are more out there, so maybe I'll have to do some work to round up another BotM batch. I could also include those beyond the 'current' category. After all, Minnesota does lay claim to some pretty decently recognized names (ahem! Prince...B. Dylan...)
But today, this is what you get! Hope you like it!
Peace,
Jen
If you like that first song from Solid Gold, I highly recommend checking out their Bodies of Water album. It's awesome through and through and is on my go to CD list!
One Cat Per Person | Hi-Fi Weddings | Tylre. | Ten Thou Bride | Fashion Under 100 | Jo, Rooting | Craft My Life | another damn life | Savoir Weddings | Fancy Notion | Dead Flowers | Casa De Kaloi | Bunnies’n’Beagles | My San Francisco Budget Wedding | Existing Between Reality and Dreams | HitchDied | DJ Prof
January 20, 2011
What's your deal, Winter!?
For all of your who are not lucky enough to live in the Midwest, let me give you a little glimpse into what winter looks like here.
When I say winter... I also mean large chunks of fall and spring. Because winter in Minnesota starts in the fall and waits till spring has long since officially started to release its grips. We don't comply with anything as trivial as dates on the calendar! Especially this year. We were in full on winter mode before winter even hit!
Lets not get ahead of ourselves, though.
Fall starts of beautifully. The colors, the brisk air. Lack of mosquitoes. Everyone rushing to get the last use out of the grill, the boat, the cabin on the lake, etc. It's quite a wonderful time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes! The temp continues to drop and drop. It's time to break out the hats and gloves and start eying up that winter coat. The temp drops a bit more, and at this point I am sure I will die if it drops anymore! But then it does. And I persist.
It is now too cold outside to do anything fun outside. Everything looks dead and dirty. And anticipation builds for winter to finally hit. People will say things like, "I wish it could just get here already and stop teasing!" Sure enough, one day we'll wake up to our reward: the first snowfall!
Each and every year it happens and each and ever year it's magical! I wake up feeling like a kid again, shaking Brett awake and insisting that he run to the window THIS moment! IT SNOWED! It's like a rebirth of the world. The dead, brown world is now replaced with a glittery, pristine version!
With snow accumulation, we enter the winter wonderland stag of fun things to do and high spirits! Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, winter hikes, ice skating on the lakes and ponds, expanding your freezer space to your porch or back steps*, nights spent under pounds of blankets, cuddling, sledding, chucking snowballs at the poor unsuspecting, helping your neighbor dig out their car, passing people on the sidewalk with only eyes and red noses showing and giving that nod that says, "Yes, I concur that it is f-ing cold! But I see you and feel better that we are in this together!"
Oh, we can't forget the holidays! Winter means Christmas and New Years and time off from work and parties and friends and family and treats and presents and lots of booze drinking and not caring that you've put on a few extra pounds because its hidden behind that cute new chunky sweater anyway! It is such a unique time of year that really can be described as magical.
That part of the year is past, though. Now, we cold weather folks have hit the hardest part of the year: the bitter months of January and February. Winter has settled in and the glitter of the season has faded. Now, all we are left with is this:
I'm pretty sure the entire state of Minnesota lets out a collective groan as we realize there are still two more months of this! Not two more months until spring. It's two more months until a glimmer of spring. Even though the stores are now switching their racks to "spring" merchandise, it's just to tease us. These next two months are all a mind game. Trying to still get outside and enjoy life, not letting the cold shut you in and dampen your spirits.
Oh, Minnesota! You are so crazy! Yet I love you still. I really do. The change of seasons, of activities, of scenery, of wardrobe, etc. is kinda fun. And even though I think I'm going to die every year when the first solid cold hits, I don't. Then, when the temperature starts to rise at the end of it, a mere 30 degrees seems balmy! We are all a chipper, cheery bunch as we run outside with long sleeve shirts on exclaiming that spring has arrived!
Hallelujah!
We made it!
Yes, just keep that in mind, self. Winter will subside. I will survive. And someday, my shorts will come out of hiding again!
For a few months at least... then we'll repeat it all over again. *sigh*
* and possibly having to thaw out your beer because you forgot it out there for too long! but being able to keep all those holiday leftover because "don't worry! we'll just put it out back!"
When I say winter... I also mean large chunks of fall and spring. Because winter in Minnesota starts in the fall and waits till spring has long since officially started to release its grips. We don't comply with anything as trivial as dates on the calendar! Especially this year. We were in full on winter mode before winter even hit!
 |
| We dug ourselves out, but these bikes were long since doomed! |
Lets not get ahead of ourselves, though.
Fall starts of beautifully. The colors, the brisk air. Lack of mosquitoes. Everyone rushing to get the last use out of the grill, the boat, the cabin on the lake, etc. It's quite a wonderful time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes! The temp continues to drop and drop. It's time to break out the hats and gloves and start eying up that winter coat. The temp drops a bit more, and at this point I am sure I will die if it drops anymore! But then it does. And I persist.
It is now too cold outside to do anything fun outside. Everything looks dead and dirty. And anticipation builds for winter to finally hit. People will say things like, "I wish it could just get here already and stop teasing!" Sure enough, one day we'll wake up to our reward: the first snowfall!
Each and every year it happens and each and ever year it's magical! I wake up feeling like a kid again, shaking Brett awake and insisting that he run to the window THIS moment! IT SNOWED! It's like a rebirth of the world. The dead, brown world is now replaced with a glittery, pristine version!
 |
| A winter window on the porch with some morning sun. |
With snow accumulation, we enter the winter wonderland stag of fun things to do and high spirits! Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, winter hikes, ice skating on the lakes and ponds, expanding your freezer space to your porch or back steps*, nights spent under pounds of blankets, cuddling, sledding, chucking snowballs at the poor unsuspecting, helping your neighbor dig out their car, passing people on the sidewalk with only eyes and red noses showing and giving that nod that says, "Yes, I concur that it is f-ing cold! But I see you and feel better that we are in this together!"
Oh, we can't forget the holidays! Winter means Christmas and New Years and time off from work and parties and friends and family and treats and presents and lots of booze drinking and not caring that you've put on a few extra pounds because its hidden behind that cute new chunky sweater anyway! It is such a unique time of year that really can be described as magical.
 |
| Enjoying some cross country skiing out on a frozen lake. |
That part of the year is past, though. Now, we cold weather folks have hit the hardest part of the year: the bitter months of January and February. Winter has settled in and the glitter of the season has faded. Now, all we are left with is this:
I'm pretty sure the entire state of Minnesota lets out a collective groan as we realize there are still two more months of this! Not two more months until spring. It's two more months until a glimmer of spring. Even though the stores are now switching their racks to "spring" merchandise, it's just to tease us. These next two months are all a mind game. Trying to still get outside and enjoy life, not letting the cold shut you in and dampen your spirits.
 |
| Some happy helmet heads, keeping winter spirits high! |
 |
| 2009 Polar Bear Plunge. One more to put into the "life experience" category! |
Oh, Minnesota! You are so crazy! Yet I love you still. I really do. The change of seasons, of activities, of scenery, of wardrobe, etc. is kinda fun. And even though I think I'm going to die every year when the first solid cold hits, I don't. Then, when the temperature starts to rise at the end of it, a mere 30 degrees seems balmy! We are all a chipper, cheery bunch as we run outside with long sleeve shirts on exclaiming that spring has arrived!
Hallelujah!
We made it!
Yes, just keep that in mind, self. Winter will subside. I will survive. And someday, my shorts will come out of hiding again!
For a few months at least... then we'll repeat it all over again. *sigh*
* and possibly having to thaw out your beer because you forgot it out there for too long! but being able to keep all those holiday leftover because "don't worry! we'll just put it out back!"
January 19, 2011
What does blogging mean to you?
 |
| via here |
It's been radio silence over here for a while now. I keep meaning to write but have only managed a few Mixtape Masters and fluff posts. On one hand I think I may be having a midlife crisis (weeeee!), but on the other...I really just don't know what to do about this blog or what blogging now means to me.
Why do I want to write? What do I want to write about? Who am I writing for?
Why: Enjoyment? Affirmation?* Prospects of becoming rich and famous? The first two definitely have something to do with it. I'd also like to write more just to better hone my writing. Also, come on, can't deny that we all love to talk about ourselves! Hence the 'navel gazing' post tag that is probably going to get way too much use.
What: I realized that I don't really share too much in blog land. I write and blab, but I'm generally not good at sharing about my life. I dunno why, but I should definitely share more about who I am and what I'm doing, yes?
Who am I writing for? This was a big one for me to think about. After switching blogs, my readership dropped dramatically. Which is cool and all. Just because people wanted to hear about my wedding biz doesn't mean they are interested in hearing me blab about my really average life biz. But it definitely took away any of the accountability I felt to write for those followers, ya know? I realized I had to be writing for myself first and foremost and that if I did that sincerely it would follow the whole Field O' Dreams mentality.
I'm going to continue writing and developing whatever voice I decide to be mine. I need to be more conscious of my writing and take it more seriously. No more "oh shit! I gotta post!" followed by digital diarrhea. Or at least less of that, yes? Because sometimes the digital spew is all there is!
So, blog land. What makes you write? And what keeps you writing? Who are you writing for?
Thanks and I'll see you around,
Jen
*While writing Me, Myself, and Bride and talking all about weddings, it was great to get affirmation. To feel like its ok to be a bit crazy when planning a wedding and that I was not alone. That sort of feedback is huge! I will always be fond of wedding blogs because of it and always have warm fuzzies for fellow wedding blogger.
**Also, apologies for just one of way too many "omg, I promise to be a better blogger" posts.
January 14, 2011
Mixtape Masters: Best of the Midwest: MN Hip-Hop
A few editions ago, I featured some Best of the Midwest. It was so much fun realizing the extent of great music we have in the Twin Cities (and beyond) that I decided to do a few more Best of the Midwest.
This week it's the Hip-Hop edition and it really isn't "Midwest" so much as just "Minneapolis". I'm sure there are some other great artists coming out of the Midwest, but these are the ones I know. Mostly it's due to our radio station, 89.3 The Current. It's one of our three public radio stations (news, classical, and the current). They focus on local music as well as other indie/alt/misc. music, and it's my main station. No yelling, crazy noises, weird talk show crap, whatever... just sweet music with normal people! If we ever move out of state, I'm totally going to be streaming it online. (And if you are looking for something cool to listen to where they don't yell at you, check it out!)
Anyway, enough of my plug for public radio, on to the music! This mix features artists from Rhymesayers Entertainment, a local label. Hope you like it!
Ciao, babers!
Jen
(If you want to hear that P.O.S. song in a normal, not-live version, check it out! It's one of my faves.)
Check out the other Mixtape Masters on these blogs!
One Cat Per Person | Hi-Fi Weddings | Tylre. | Ten Thou Bride | Fashion Under 100 | Jo, Rooting | Craft My Life | another damn life | Savoir Weddings | Fancy Notion | Dead Flowers | Casa De Kaloi | Bunnies’n’Beagles | My San Francisco Budget Wedding | Existing Between Reality and Dreams | HitchDied | DJ Prof
January 7, 2011
Mixtape Masters: Dancey Pantsey
Um, yeah, so I'm a little slow. I meant to post this playlist last week for some New Years dance party action, but...whoops! Better late than never, right?
I put together this list trying to find some of my favorite dance songs that are still good as background music. Upbeat, happy, danceable... or just jamming in your office on Friday. (hi! that's me!)
Hope you like it!
Jen
Jen
- Wallpaper, I Got Soul, I'm So Wasted - These guys are a blast! They opened at a show and totally had me smiling the whole time! (minus some douchey lyrics...but thats pretty typical)
- Passion Pit, Little Secrets - So happy they came back with more good tunes after Sleepyhead! I thought they were gonna be a primo one hit wonder.
- MGMT, Time to Pretend - Whats a good electro dance mix without MGMT!
- Justice, D.A.N.C.E. - I forget about this song and keep rediscovering it every fews months. Still good!
- Phantogram, Mouthful of Diamonds - Just came across this one recently and am digging it.
Check out the other Mixtape Masters on these blogs!
One Cat Per Person | Hi-Fi Weddings | Tylre. | Ten Thou Bride | Fashion Under 100 | Jo, Rooting | Craft My Life | another damn life | Savoir Weddings | Fancy Notion | Dead Flowers | Casa De Kaloi | Bunnies’n’Beagles | My San Francisco Budget Wedding | Existing Between Reality and Dreams | HitchDied | DJ Prof
January 3, 2011
Thanks, 2010! It's been fun!
Normally I'm not too retrospective, even around the New Years. I acknowledge the last year, say my farewells, and then look forward to the upcoming year. This New Years has been a little different, though. Because this time last year, I was fresh meat newly engaged!
Oh how long ago that seems!
It feels like looking back on a stranger when I remember the rolling emotions, excitement from family and friends, and pure possibilities of what were to come. I was full of confidence, creativity and conviction. I knew so little of what to expect and was so unprepared for the pressures to come. So many changes happened, the wedding turned out vastly different than I first envisioned but all was well in the end.
I gotta say, I still get moments where I feel this big rush of relief to be done with the wedding and on to married life. Our relationship feels so calm and comfortable now and we're able to focus our combined energies to bigger and better things.
This New Years has me thinking back to my past, newly engaged self and sending out good vibes to all those newly engaged couples about to enter the circus of wedding planning. I don't envy them what they are about to go through... but I do hope they gain as much as they can in their crazy, stressful, fun, crazy, intense, creative, and crazy journey.
Thanks, 2010! We had some great trips, lots of new work experiences, fun with friends, learned I could exercise consistently, got engaged, planned a wedding, got married, and came out the better for it all.
Oh how long ago that seems!
It feels like looking back on a stranger when I remember the rolling emotions, excitement from family and friends, and pure possibilities of what were to come. I was full of confidence, creativity and conviction. I knew so little of what to expect and was so unprepared for the pressures to come. So many changes happened, the wedding turned out vastly different than I first envisioned but all was well in the end.
I gotta say, I still get moments where I feel this big rush of relief to be done with the wedding and on to married life. Our relationship feels so calm and comfortable now and we're able to focus our combined energies to bigger and better things.
This New Years has me thinking back to my past, newly engaged self and sending out good vibes to all those newly engaged couples about to enter the circus of wedding planning. I don't envy them what they are about to go through... but I do hope they gain as much as they can in their crazy, stressful, fun, crazy, intense, creative, and crazy journey.
Thanks, 2010! We had some great trips, lots of new work experiences, fun with friends, learned I could exercise consistently, got engaged, planned a wedding, got married, and came out the better for it all.
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